source of power

USAGE SUMMARY

'source of power' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe the source that is providing the power to something. For example, "The windmill is a renewable source of power for the town's electric grid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a source of power!

The New York Times

It's my main source of power.

Independent

Tenses are another subtle source of power.

The Guardian - Books

What a source of power," he continued.

The New York Times

Her ultimate source of power comes from Trump.

The New Yorker

"The source of power is Sylvester McMonkey McBean, Guinierr declared.

The New Yorker

Another source of power came from the trees themselves.

The Guardian - Travel

"There's more to it than just a source of power.

The Guardian

It was understood as a source of power.

The New Yorker

And those votes become a source of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Silence is a greatly underestimated source of power.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing energy, specify the type of "source of power" (e.g., renewable, nuclear, solar) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "source of power" when you actually mean "source of authority". Power is the ability to act, while authority is the right to act. Be precise with your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of power" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or provider of strength, energy, influence, or control. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both literal (energy sources) and figurative (personal influence) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of power" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the origin of strength, energy, influence, or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse fields, particularly in news, science, and business. The phrase's function is primarily to identify and categorize origins, with a generally neutral to professional register. To enhance clarity, specifying the type of "source of power" is recommended. Be mindful not to confuse power with authority, as they represent distinct concepts. Ultimately, "source of power" is a fundamental concept for understanding causation and attribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power source

Reverses the order of the words while maintaining the core meaning.

origin of strength

Focuses on the strength aspect of power.

basis of authority

Emphasizes the authority aspect of power.

fountainhead of energy

Uses a metaphorical term to describe a source of energy.

generator of influence

Highlights the influence that stems from the source.

driving force

Implies a source that propels action or change.

wellspring of control

Suggests a source from which control originates.

mainspring of action

Uses a mechanical metaphor to indicate a primary source.

center of command

Emphasizes the aspect of power related to control and command.

ultimate authority

Focuses on the highest level of power or control.

FAQs

How can I use "source of power" in a sentence?

You can use "source of power" to describe anything that provides energy, strength, or influence. For instance, "The sun is a major "source of power" for our planet" or "His charisma was his "source of power" in negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "source of power"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "power source", "origin of strength", or "basis of authority".

Is it correct to say "power's source" instead of "source of power"?

While "power's source" isn't grammatically incorrect, "source of power" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Power's source" might be used in specific poetic or literary contexts.

What's the difference between "source of power" and "means of control"?

"Source of power" generally refers to the origin of energy or influence, whereas "means of control" refers to the methods or tools used to exert control. They are related but not interchangeable.